Bordeaux Region

Things to do in Bordeaux Region

Victor Hugo once said, “Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux.” After all, the 18th-century beauty of this city was one inspiration for the parts of Paris. Exploring the namesake city is just one of things to do in Bordeaux. “Enrolling” at the Ecole du Vin is the perfect addition to things to do in Bordeaux. This city-sponsored program offers weekend tours into the wine country, as well as two-hour tasting courses at a posh-looking (but surprisingly affordable) wine bar. The Museum of Fine Arts, in Bordeaux, is in a former archbishop's residence, and includes two wings of paintings by 17th-century masters, and another wing with 19th- and 20th-century painters, such as Matisse and Picasso. On a different note, La Musée National des Douanes—located along the waterfront in an 18th-century palace—celebrates the customs service. Exhibits include the history of taxes, tariffs, and border control, and feature such interesting objets précieux (national treasures) as calculating machines and smugglers’ weapons. What to do in Bordeaux when you’re ready for a break from wine? Eat candy. Darricau, a confectioner in the city of Bordeaux, churns out whimsy by the boxful, such as buttery fleur de sel caramels. Don’t miss the paves de Bordeaux ("Bordeaux cobblestones")—praline cubes and wine-soaked raisins that have been dipped in chocolate and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

This confectioner churns out whimsy by the boxful, such as mountains of buttery fleur de sel caramels, and paves de Bordeaux ("Bordeaux cobblestones"), cubes of praline and wine-soaked raisins dipped in chocolate and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Bordeaux fussy and overpriced? Not at this bar run by the region’s wine council. Architect Françoise Bousquet has appointed the soaring Neoclassical space with whimsical pebble-shaped chairs and original artwork, including a grape-themed Aubusson tapestry.

Located northwest of Bordeaux proper, the Château Giscours winery is set on a hilltop in the commune of Labarde. The domaine started producing Margaux appellation wines in the 1500’s and today grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes.

The former archbishop's residence houses a vast collection that includes two wings full of paintings from 17th-century masters, another wing with 19th-century French painters, as well as 20th-century luminaries, such as Matisse, Kokoschka, and Picasso.

Château Cos d'Estournel is one of the top Haut-Médoc wine producers in Bordeaux’s St.-Estèphe region. The property sits on 200 acres with an impressive, yet somewhat quirky 19th century château (hand-carved doors imported from Zanzibar and Asian-style pagodas).

Architect Victor Louis' neo-classical theater has a monumental façade with 12 Corinthian columns and a sweeping staircase that was the inspiration for the Palais Garnier in Paris. This and the Trianon at Versailles are the only original wooden theaters in France.

A rotating roster of guest DJs sets the tone at the tiny zinc bar with a loyal following. The festivities often spill into the street. Late night, intrepid partiers move on to the dockland discos at the eastern fringe of the port.